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Elders
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According to Acts 20:28, elders are called, or appointed by the Holy Spirit. When a local church elects and ordains an elder they are simply recognizing and confirming the Spirit's call.  
 
Along with church pastors, elders have a tremendous responsibility to their congregations. To elders, Paul says, "Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood."—Acts 20:28 (NIV). 
 
Scripture describes an elder as someone who has: 
 
 

 

·         Knowledge, experience, and wisdom that church members can draw from for guidance and spiritual support (Acts 15:2, 6; 16:4).                                                              
 
·         The ability and will to shepherd and care for the body of believers (Acts 20:28-31; Hebrews 13:17). 
 

 

·         3A willingness and ability to teach and instruct others in spiritual matters (I Timothy 3:2; Hebrews 13:7; I Timothy 5:17; Acts 20:30). 
 

 

·         The ability and will to equip and teach members how to share their Christian faith (Ephesians 4:11-13). 
 

 

·         A positive example and influence among the church body and community (I Peter 5:3; Hebrews 13:7).

 

The Elder therefore is a leader, motivator of others and self, supporter of others to grow in Jesus and to lift him up, so that many can be drawn to Him (Church growth). By being involved in personal spiritual counseling, small group ministry, prayer ministry and social fellowship; every elder fulfills the role of nurturing the church. By preaching, the elder is involved in worshipping ministry. There is need for involvement in all or any of these: Child dedication. Baptism, funeral, prayer for the sick and/or for the progress of members; as special services every church offers.

 

Like any office the elder’s role has Limitation of Authority (Church Manual (2005) p54, the elder’s authority is limited only to the local church in which he is a member. Our Elders are keen for the Lord’s work and, by His grace, shall endeavor to be a blessing to church membership as we pray to be a blessing to the master. Soon Jesus shall appear in the clouds, we have endeared it in our memory that we shall not be taken home because we were elders, but because of our relationship in faithfulness to God all the time.

 

Adam Rop
Head Elder